Retro Expo took place on
05 and 06 December at the Business Design Centre in London. The event comprised of: The Retrofit Summit
- a one day policy conference on 05 December exploring the refurbishment and
energy efficient retrofit of existing buildings from a national, strategic
perspective. The Retrofit London
Conference – supported by the Mayor of London, this
event on 06 December explored the challenges and opportunities of low
carbon retrofits in the capital. A series of
workshops looking at the technical aspects of retrofits. An exhibition of
retrofit innovation including leading names such as
BASF, EDF, Kingspan, Travis Perkins and SIG360 Retrofit and The Retro Expo
Awards Ceremony - recognising excellence in retrofit products, projects and people across the domestic, commercial and public sector markets.

Industry News

The government has changed its flagship retrofit programme to allow an extra 100,000 low-income households a year to receive energy efficiency works. In a major win for Inside Housing’s Green Light campaign energy secretary Ed Davey confirmed that the government had redesigned the £1.3 billion energy company obligation to make it more equitable for social tenants.

A new initiative has been launched in the South West of England by the Energy Saving Trust, Regen SW, social housing providers and local authority partners. The initiative – Ready for Retrofit – will give a substantial boost to the energy efficiency and micro-generation sector in the South West.v

Thames Water are to conduct a benchmark pilot study called the Counters Creek sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) retrofit project, with a view to reducing the flood risk in London and helping to enhance the streetscape. The project is part of the Counters Creek Flood Alleviation Scheme, which is Thames Water’s largest sewer flooding alleviation program. The aims are to identify a long-term solution to sewer flooding in the western London area. Thames have appointed AECOM as lead consultant who's remit is to investigate how effective sustainable drainage systems will be in controlling surface water flows to combined sewers in the area. The area being used for the study consists of 15 selected streets and 15 adjacent control streets.

Home energy efficiency expert Enact Energy has launched a complete Green Deal package for local authorities. The service is free for councils and allows them to endorse brand literature and proactive marketing campaigns funded by Enact. Enact will then give access to all the data collected during their own marketing – information will include amount and type of works, customer satisfaction surveys and post installation inspection results to ensure quality is being maintained and complete EPC data. v

The Government is hitting the road! The road show is going to be a number of dedicated breakfast meetings to help answer questions about the forth coming Green Deal. If you are planning to be a Green Deal Advisor or a Green Deal Provider we would highly recommend that you get on board and visit one of the following meetings to get all your supply chain questions answered.v

The National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies is to launch a Green Deal based skills training package, scheduled for roll out in October. The move will see the inclusion of training in building insulation, consumer awareness, energy efficiency, energy assessment, energy advice, and underpinning business and management skills. These join the Academy’s existing core qualifications courses.v

Developers have been chosen for Salford regeneration scheme which will see 1,600 new homes built and a further 1,200 refurbished. Salford City Council has revealed SP+ consortium will carry out the work on the £115m Create a New Pendleton scheme, if proposals are approved. The scheme will create 500 new jobs and provide new sports facilities, green space, walkways and cycle paths.